What causes a feeling of swelling and pain in the ear?

Jan 09, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, aching pain in the ear may be caused by factors such as trauma, eczema, external otitis, otitis media, or acute mastoiditis. If you experience any physical discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Trauma may lead to abrasions, lacerations, or fractures of the ear canal skin, and these injuries can irritate the skin and mucous membranes of the ear canal, causing pain and swelling.

Under normal circumstances, aching pain in the ear may be caused by factors such as trauma, eczema, external otitis, otitis media, or acute myringitis. If bodily discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Trauma: Injury may lead to abrasions, lacerations, or fractures of the skin in the ear canal. These injuries can irritate the skin and mucous membranes of the ear canal, causing pain and swelling. Applying a warm towel compress for 10 minutes may help promote blood circulation and accelerate recovery.

2. Eczema: Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition, often associated with allergies, immune abnormalities, and other factors. When eczema occurs, the skin may develop redness, papules, and blisters, accompanied by itching, pain, and burning sensations. In severe cases, the ear area may also be affected, resulting in aching pain inside the ear. Patients may use medications such as compound dexamethasone cream, zinc oxide ointment, or calamine lotion under medical guidance.

3. External Otitis: External otitis is an inflammation of the outer ear canal skin, usually caused by bacterial or fungal infections. During the onset, local tissues exhibit inflammatory responses including congestion, edema, and increased exudate. These inflammatory processes may cause aching pain in the ear. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as hydrocortisone cream, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride ear drops, or ofloxacin ear drops to alleviate symptoms.

4. Otitis Media: Otitis media refers to inflammatory lesions affecting all or part of the middle ear structures, commonly caused by infections such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. During infection, the middle ear mucosa undergoes inflammatory reactions, leading to swelling, congestion, and burning pain, which may result in aching pain in the ear. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as clindamycin hydrochloride tablets, azithromycin capsules, or cefixime capsules to improve symptoms.

5. Acute Myringitis: In acute myringitis, the eardrum and surrounding tissues experience inflammatory reactions, including symptoms such as congestion, edema, and increased exudate. These inflammatory processes may cause a sensation of aching pain in the ear. Patients may use medications such as Pudilan oral liquid, ribavirin oral solution, or Lanqin oral liquid under medical guidance to achieve symptom relief.

In daily life, maintaining good living and dietary habits, avoiding excessive fatigue and negative emotions, can help prevent and improve related symptoms and maintain overall health.